City of Morgantown WV - City Manager

The City of Morgantown West Virginia is searching for a visionary and experienced public administrator to serve as its next City Manager. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic and vibrant city known for its strong sense of community rich cultural and educational offerings and proximity to stunning outdoor recreational opportunities. As the organizations chief administrative officer the City Manager oversees all City operations including a $39.5 million annual budget and approximately 250 fulltime employeesspanning diverse departments such as Public Works Public Safety Development Services and Urban Landscapes.

The City Manager is responsible for implementing City Council initiatives and goals advising the Council on strategic matters and ensuring that the Citys operations align with its vision for growth sustainability and inclusivity. Reporting directly to the City Council the City Manager works closely with department heads community stakeholders and regional partners to drive innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Priorities

• Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with the City Council by supporting open communication demonstrating political neutrality and understanding the priorities of the Council. Serve as a trusted advisor and ensure alignment with the Citys strategic goals.
• Work collaboratively with the Citys partners including West Virginia University Monongalia County neighboring jurisdictions and The Morgantown Area Partnership to strengthen the City and address common goals.
• Advance the Citys strategic priorities including economic development infrastructure improvement environmental sustainability affordable housing and community safety.
• Continue to prioritize the expansion of the Citys airport and land development surrounding it as well as the redevelopment of Downtown Morgantown and the Wharf district.
• Work closely with the Citys leadership team and learn the operations strengths and needs of the organization. Identify ways to increase employee morale and retention to continue to provide excellent City services.

The Successful Candidate

The ideal candidate for Morgantowns next City Manager will be a skilled progressive local government professional who is deeply passionate about serving a diverse vibrant community. This individual will embody the spirit of Morgantown demonstrating a commitment to the Citys unique character inclusive values and equitable growth. Visible and approachable they will live within the City and be actively engaged in community events fostering trust and connections with residents businesses and partner organizations.

As an effective listener and communicator the next City Manager will excel in bridging gaps between diverse groups building consensus and ensuring transparency in decisionmaking. They will bring a proven ability to navigate conflicting interests and priorities while providing clear professional recommendations to the Council. They will prioritize strong internal and external communications cultivating relationships with staff elected officials and stakeholders including West Virginia University regional nonprofits and private sector partners.

This forwardthinking leader will have a passion for innovation and will leverage technology to enhance efficiency and service delivery. They will also be adept at longterm financial planning economic development and deploying creative tools to stimulate growth while safeguarding affordability and preserving Morgantowns character.

The ideal candidate will possess experience in managing growth in a college town or similar environment balancing development pressures with the Citys best interests. They will have a background in housing affordability labor relations and publicprivate partnerships as well as a collaborative approach to working with diverse personalities and organizations. With a keen understanding of budgeting and strategic planning they will guide the City through unprecedented expansion while prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability.

As a strong flexible leader the next City Manager will empower highperforming staff inspire optimism and bring wisdom and vision to the organization. They will thrive in an Appalachian community demonstrating an appreciation for its unique cultural identity and being personally invested in Morgantowns success.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements are a bachelors degree and five years of local government experience with at least three years of management/supervision experience.

Preferred qualifications include an ICMACredentialed Manager strong financial management skills demonstrated economic development and redevelopment expertise and community and employee engagement experience. Experience working with a university or other large institution is also desired.

Residency

Per the City Charter residency within Morgantown city limits is required after appointment. In the spring of 2025 voters will decide whether to amend the Charter to give City Council authority to allow the City Manager to live outside city limits.

Inside The Organization

The City of Morgantown operates under a councilmanager form of government. Seven atlarge City Council Members are elected by the community to serve staggered fouryear terms. Council Members select a Mayor and Deputy Mayor among their first acts after being elected each serving oneyear terms. At the helm of daily operations is the City Manager appointed by the Council to ensure that the Citys goals and policies are effectively implemented.

Departments include the City Attorneys Office City Clerk City Managers Office Code Enforcement Communications Development Services Engineering Finance Fire Human Resources Information Technology Municipal Court Police Public Works and Urban Landscapes. Each department plays a critical role in delivering highquality services maintaining infrastructure and enhancing Morgantowns quality of life. There are no collective bargaining agreements. The City has also established a Parking Authority to manage onstreet offstreet and garage parking; a Parks Board to manage recreation; a Utility Board to manage water sewer and stormwater utilities; and a Library Board that operates multiple locations within the City and throughout Monongalia County.

Operating with a budget of $39.5 million for Fiscal Year 2023 Morgantown carefully allocates resources to achieve its strategic priorities while maintaining fiscal stability. The Citys approximately 250 fulltime equivalent (FTE) employees embody a culture of innovation professionalism and public service working together to advance a vision of a thriving inclusive and forwardthinking community.

The Community

The City of Morgantown the county seat of Monongalia County is a vibrant community located along the Monongahela River in northcentral West Virginia near the Pennsylvania border. Its strategic location at the intersection of Interstate 79 and Interstate 68 positions the City as a vital hub for commerce travel and business in the region. Forbes recognized it as one of the Best Small Places for Business and Careers. It fosters economic growth through collaborations with regional partners like Mainstreet Morgantown to attract retain and grow small businesses.

Home to West Virginia University (WVU) the states largest institution of higher education Morgantown benefits from the universitys dynamic presence and significant contributions to the community. With a population exceeding 30000 residents the City is organized into seven wards and features a robust network of neighborhood associations that promote a strong sense of community. Residents actively engage in local governance and initiatives through volunteer opportunities Boards and Commissions and revitalization and beautification projects.

Morgantown is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene offering attractions such as the historic Metropolitan Theatre a summer concert series at the Ruby Amphitheater and the Morgantown History Museum. Public art initiatives including murals enhance the Citys aesthetic appeal while recreational opportunities abound with the Mon River RailTrail numerous city parks and the nearby Coopers Rock State Forest. The Morgantown Board of Parks and Recreation manages 13 parks and over 70 miles of trails providing outdoor activities for both residents and visitors.

The City boasts excellent public schools including Monongalia County Schools ranked as the best public school district in the state by Niche and offers a high quality of life with affordable living costs a burgeoning advanced technology sector and strong environmental and cultural initiatives. Morgantowns thriving nightlife outdoor recreation and diverse community make it a highly desirable place to live and work.

Economic growth in Morgantown is supported by a wellbalanced local economy and a skilled educated labor force. Major regional employers include the U.S. Department of Energy the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hope Gas West Virginia University and West Virginia University Hospitals Inc. The City enjoys some of the lowest unemployment rates in the state a favorable business environment and a daytime population of approximately 70000.

Morgantowns population and household growth have outpaced state averages since 2000 with projections indicating continued growth through 2025. A housing study by Bowen National Research highlights that older millennials and seniors 65 and older) are among the fastestgrowing demographics. The City also prides itself on its inclusivity environmental consciousness and eclectic arts scene further enhancing its appeal.

Whether attending a sporting event exploring the great outdoors shopping downtown or enjoying a conference at the Waterfront Place Hotel Morgantown offers something for everyone. Its unique blend of natural beauty economic vitality and cultural richness solidifies its reputation as one of the best small cities in the United States.

Quick Facts

• Population: 30429
• Median Household Income: $42245
• Median Home Value: $238200
• Median Age: 23.8 years

All demographic information was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range for this position is $150000 $190000 depending on qualifications. Relocation will be part of total compensation negotiated with the top candidate. Benefits offered include the following:

• Medical dental vision life and disability insurance
• Accrued paid time off and paid state holidays
• Employer contributions into a 401(a) defined contribution plan
• Employer contributions to employees Health Reimbursement Arrangement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free downtown parking
  

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning February 28 2025.

Questions

Please direct questions to Catherine Tuck Parrish at and Kelsey Batt at .

Download Recruitment Brochure